Duke or UBC Commerce (with scholarship)

Hey everyone,

I was getting pretty pumped for Duke, and then just a few days ago, UBC Sauder sent me a scholarship offer of $80,000. (20K per year x 4 years)

It was really late, but still the money is insane; I've never heard of this scholarship existing before!

If I go to Duke, my parents/I will have to pay 120K total; if I go to UBC, I will actually be profiting at least 10k at the end of 4 years. (UBC Sauder tuition is cheap)

Obviously Duke is a superior university in probably every way, but the money difference is big. I can afford both, but UBC would be very relaxing financially.
So WOS, what are you thoughts about UBC Commerce with about 90K scholarship vs Duke?

And out of curiosity, what is the amount of money that would convince YOU to choose UBC over Duke?

Thanks

 

it's all about Canada vs. U.S. (where do you want to work?)

The Duke name is global too... no one really cares about UBC. Other than Western, McGill, and UT, I've never even heard of any other Canadian schools mentioned.

 

I would say Duke, if you want to work on the Street later on due to network.

I looked at UBC too, and as chunky mentioned, the PMF is a great organization that has a crazy network (my friend knows someone in it), but it is only 6 people per year, so no guarantees at all.

Just curious, but how did they offer you the scholarship? Did they call you and whisper "we'll give you moneyyyyyy" in a hushed tone or what? E-mail? I always thought they would do this, but wow you must have been an awesome candidate to get this kind of money.

 

UBC-Sauder.

I, personally, find that financial aid offer very attractive because while I know my parents would give up everything to send me to the most elite school I get into (typical Asian-ness), I would feel bad for making them spend their money, unless it was absolutely necessary. I ultimately want to go to a place where I feel most comfortable. If I'm profiting 10K while studying at a top-rated Canadian Uni, I would be very comfortable.

Both schools are represented at HBS etc. so it's not like the end of the world if you don't graduate from Duke.

Just my opinion. Of course, if you think that the Duke name is worth it, go for Duke. You'll regret it otherwise.

 
Best Response

As a Chinese-Canadian from Vancouver, I think you should go to Duke. Even though my family wasn't very well-off, my parents were adamant that I go to the States for college and it is one of the best decisions of my life. College is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes you as a person through not only education but socialization. Duke is not only a world-class education, it also has some world-class people and these are the friends you want to have in your network 20, 30 and a lifetime from now.

It has been almost 10 years since I graduated high school and the difference is insane. I have since entered investment banking at a bulge bracket in NYC as well as a top US business school - in many ways, my life is set. I have recently heard about my Chinese friends who went to UBC and many have been unemployed and careerless for years. It is as if there was a decade of arrested development for these guys - since they all wound up living at home for college, nurtured by their parents, and never really challenged themselves in a tougher environment.

At Sauder (you can do some research on this btw), the dream post-grad job is big 4 accounting and literally everyone at UBC fights over these jobs... It is crazy whereas Duke kids are very much in the fight for BB IBD jobs. To answer your question, even if UBC offered me $40,000 per year (even though that probably exceeds tuition for an in-province student), I would still choose Duke.

-S

 

Thank you everyone for your replies. I'm tired of indecisiveness, and I think my heart is really set on Duke.

Vancouver Canucks 2011:
As a Chinese-Canadian from Vancouver, I think you should go to Duke. Even though my family wasn't very well-off, my parents were adamant that I go to the States for college and it is one of the best decisions of my life. College is an once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes you as a person through not only education but socialization. Duke is not only a world-class education, it also has some world-class people and these are the friends you want to have in your network 20, 30 and a lifetime from now.

This particularly resonates for me. I'm curious where you went for undergrad though ... could you fire me a private msg? Thanks :)

 

Don't rule out the value of UBC. You will not be left un-noticed if you are smart and hard-working. Going to a prestigious grad school after earning your 1st degree from UBC is another option.

Going to Duke does not mean you automatically win a pass to a bright future.

Good luck! :)

 

I am not familiar with UBC's program and Duke's either, but I think you can definitely aim to be a top student at UBC with a one year abroad at a good school and you can still find yourself in NY after BCom and then you can attend a big name for MBA or grad school.

A bit tougher maybe to get to NY from UBC but still doable if you make get a good internship in Toronto with US banks, impress and then apply to NY.

You might not be like staying at home with the parents at UBC, or same city at out at least and might want to experience something new in US, it is all about preference. You might go to Duke, enjoy it too much and will be writing a post in a couple of years explaining how you were irresponsible your first year and partied too much but still wanna make it .,...

 

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